Sociology of belonging

12.2.2026 - 31.7.2026

5 cr

Face-to-face

Advanced studies

Lectures introduce different empirical fields of belonging research, including cultural and ethnic relations, urban sociology, family and reproduction, political sociology and material culture. The conceptual foundations and timely studies that use and develop the concept are explored both in the lectures and in texts assigned to students.

Contains

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No active implementations at present.

Additional information and registration

Price and registration period

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Additional information:

Fields

Social sciences

Scope

5 cr

Code

SOSM-SL338

The objective of the course is to introduce students to topical questions, themes and concepts of belonging, and to teach how these concepts can be used analytically in different arenas to understand bonds, dynamics, boundaries and politics of belonging.

After completing the course, the student can:

name central themes, fields and concepts of the sociology of belonging.
identify and analyse topical phenomena of belonging using these concepts
gain deeper understanding on how and why theoretical concepts are used in sociological research
apply concepts of belonging to a selected empirical theme
write give and receive peer critique

Completion methods (general description)

The course includes meetings and the associated literature which is read and discussed during the course.

Assessment practices and criteria

To complete the course, the student must participate in the lectures, read the assigned texts, participate in discussing them, and complete the final course essay. The course is evaluated based on the active participation (30%) and a final essay (70%).

Target groupsMaster's Programme in Social Research, Master's Programme in Contemporary Societies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Exchange Students
Teaching period when the course will be offered

III

Study modulesCOS-SL300A Sociology, Advanced Studies / COS-A400 Advanced Thematic Studies / SOSM-SL300 Sosiologia, syventävät opinnot, Sosiaalitieteiden maisteriohjelman valinnaiset syventävät opinnot
Expiry of studies

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Languages of instruction

English

EQF levelMaster's/EQF level 7

Organiser

Helsingin yliopisto

Contact details

avoin-student@helsinki.fi

Belongs to themes:

Society and interaction